Dodgers and Angels Team Up for Charity

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is widely regarded as the best pitcher in baseball, but he might also be one of the most charitable athletes around.

Here’s a direct quote from Molly Knight’s incredible book, The Best Team Money Can Buy.

A devout Christian, Kershaw believed that his wealth could best be used to help others in need. His faith had taught him that he needed only enough money to ensure his family never had to worry. The rest was for giving away.

Kershaw and Angels first baseman Albert Pujols have teamed up this season with Omaze to give a fan the opportunity of a lifetime.

Two winners will be chosen and each get a +1 to the event, where they will play wiffle ball with Pujols and Kershaw and have lunch with them after. Donation packages start at $10, and shirts, balls and other autographed memorabilia can be purchased along with entries to the contest.  More information and entries can be found here.

Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Through Kershaw’s Challenge, Clayton has set up partnerships in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia and the Dominican Republic to help people in need. Whether that be helping families in need or building children’s homes in Africa, philanthropy has is extremely important to Kershaw, who started this non-profit in 2011.

Pujols started the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005 in Missouri. The foundation works to “promote awareness, provide hope and meet tangible needs for children who live with Down syndrome” and to “improve the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished children in the Dominican Republic through eduction, medical relief and tangible goods”. Pujols is Dominican-born and he has a daughter with Down syndrome.

You may remember the home run derby, which for once didn’t get boring after the first four batters. While the derby in itself was a huge success, my personal favorite moment was watching Pujols interact with Champ Pederson (Joc’s brother). Say what you will about the Angels organization, who hasn’t had the best year from a PR standpoint. But it really is nice that two of the stars of Southern California baseball are two of the most good-hearted, standup guys in the league.

Next: Dodgers Acquire Chase Utley